Locals in County Monaghan are in shock after a sinkhole opened up in the nearby GAA grounds.

A children's school in Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan has been evacuated after a sinkhole appeared in the local vicinity.

It is believed that the sinkhole occurred following the collapse of the Gypsum Mine, which is located in the community center area.

It appears that the sinkhole has caused substantial damage to the GAA grounds and building. According to reports, nobody was on the grounds at the time.

Drumgossatt National School announced that they were closing the school "immediately" and called for parents to pick up their children as soon as possible.

Local News landsinking in Magheracloone gaa groups some pictures coming in to us here at BRTV we under stand nobody was on the grounds at the time more to follow pic.twitter.com/H1CN11TDIQ

— Border Region TV (@BorderRegionTV) September 24, 2018

Police told the Irish Independent that they are currently closing local roads.

"Gardaí are at the scene of an incident at Macheracloon, Co. Monaghan. The Kings Court to Carrickmacross road R179 is currently closed and diversions are in place. A local school has been evacuated as a precaution," the statement reads.

"Our main priority is the safety of local residents, our employees and ensuring no significant environmental impact," they added.

Local councilor Colm Carthy has called the incident "shocking" and confirmed that senior engineers are assessing the extent of the damage.

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Media Statement regarding incident at Magheracloone GAA club pic.twitter.com/fA6eZ7Mb1q

— Gyproc Ireland (@Gyproc_Ireland) September 24, 2018

The councilor confirmed there have been no injuries or casualties.

It is the first time that a sinkhole has occurred in the greater Monaghan area. An investigation of the site will be carried out this afternoon and a geological survey undertaken by a UK-based team tomorrow.

“It hasn’t happened to my knowledge; this area of the mine would be part of the older end of things. There are concerns locally that there would be further impact on the vicinity.”  

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